Effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude, and practice of HPV infection prevention among college students

Abstract Objective To explore the effect of peer education on improving the knowledge, attitude, practice level (KAP) to prevent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection among college students. Methods The knowledge, attitude/belief, and practice level of 536 grade I college students from a university in Shanghai were surveyed and analyzed using a self-designed questionnaire—the HPV Infection and Prevention KAP Questionnaire. Results Many college students heard about HPV vaccine (49.70% before peer education and 100% after peer education); however, few of them were vaccinated (2.82% before peer education and 5.23% after peer education). Knowledge, attitude/belied, and practice of HPV infection prevention were positively related ( P < 0.05). Peer education was effective in improving college students’ KAP level of HPV infection prevention ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Peer education could be used as a strategy in colleges to improve student’s KAP level of HPV infection prevention. College students may also be encouraged to spread their influence to society.